Introductory postharvest biology. Postharvest losses, loss assessment and loss reduction technologies. Pre-harvest factors and postharvest quality. Maturity indices. Quality standards. Field harvesting. Handling and packinghouse operations. Cool chain management. Storage. Case-studies: fresh produce transportation; commercial fruit ripening; and marketing standards. Field trips: postharvest enterprises.
Role and functions of packaging. Packaging materials. Selection and evaluation of packaging. Package design. Modified atmosphere packaging. Sustainable packaging. Case-studies: packaging of selected food products.
